Jargonauts play CD release show at Crooked I

HEAR IT

The Jargonauts, Johnny James and the Absolutes, This American Song will play Saturday at 10 p.m. at the Crooked I, 1013 State St.

It's not yet Christmas, but the Jargonauts have some new toys they'll break out at Saturday's CD release party for "Cut the Music" at the Crooked I.

Beat-maker Robert Jensen has some new electronic goodies, while guitarist John Yochim added extra pedals. As for Josiah Haughwout, aka armor-clad Jargon?

"I tried to add some stuff with i-Phone apps and pump up some productions values on a few of (the new songs,)" Haughwout said. "I would say there are moments that are brooding, then they'll violently shift. So, there's not any time to get comfortable in any tempo or mood."

Through it all, Haughwout delivers clever rhyme schemes and wordplay that recall early Beck. Not to worry if you don't catch it all. Lyrics will be included on this album.

"I see the words I'm using like a bumper sticker. If you really want to know what it says, you have to pull up a little closer," he said.

"Or, if you don't pay attention to what I'm saying, at least appreciate where I'm placing (words). Timing is important to me with the cadences and syllable counts. You don't have to put it under the microscope to enjoy it, but there's more to enjoy the closer you're drawn into it."

On stage, Haughwout performs as Jargon just as an actor plays Hamlet or any other role.

"I just basically wear ridiculous costumes with armor and gauntlets. It's more character-driven, where I become a persona. I like to see it that I'm a character named Jargon, which is my own stunt double, so I do my own stunts -- things I couldn't normally do. That's why I need the armor. Just the act of putting armor on is protecting yourself, I suppose.

"I use it as an excuse to perhaps not worry about what anyone else is going to think," he continued. "I'm just this other character. It's just a different hat I put on. (But) this one has chain-mail link on it."

He wouldn't say where he buys his armor, except it's not in Erie.

"You can find anything you want," Haughwout said "If you type it into the computer, they will mail it to you."

This music is true: Jargonauts never mail it in on stage. A sense of adventurous fun surrounds their performances, partly because they don't play out all the time. Each show is like an event.